Yet another E500 S212!

[Shifter]

You should be able to reconnect the wooden trim on the ash tray but I would advise you to remove the ash tray. The process is quite straight forward as it is only 2 bolts underneah the ashtray protectiot mat. Once those are out, pull VERY gently to make some room to remove the cigarrete lighter connector. Afterwards you should be able to get the ash tray out and reattach the wood trim piece ( therre are clips underneath the slidding panel)

Advise: put some microfiver cloths on the surronding area to prevent any scratches to the other bits of the trim

Oh that's great, thank you, I'll have a look into that.

Appreciate the tip!

 

[Londonscottish]

Yes, that will be me, thanks for pointing me this way. I'll do a long and boring intro post by way of a hello.

I've been looking on and off at S212 E500s for some time (an E60 550i was also a consideration but I really fancied the Mercedes, having had plenty of BMWs already) and I actually saw this car for sale last time around. Back then I was in the middle of a Volvo V60 lease and I by the time I'd decided I would buy myself out of the lease, the car had sold.

I then decided to just wait the remaining time out of the lease, but with 12 months left to go I was fairly bored of the car so I did buy out of it early.

So I've just spent 2 months looking for the right car, struggling to find anything. Then this E500 appeared again and I got straight on the phone to the dealer. And now it's mine. Hurrah!


Apologies to those who bobbed off during that, I did say it would be boring...

Congrats on getting your hands on one. There aren't a lot of them about. I'm 4 years into owning mine and I've generally found it to be really well screwed together. The only significant non-service item I had to sort was the rear air bags (ie springs). On 212's they often seem to give up at around 10 years. One of the posters here put me onto Autodoc who sell them at reasonable prices - low to mid £200's ea - which is way cheaper than they used to be.

S212's in general are really useful family wagons/load luggers. The 5.5 means they can get a proper shift on too.

Post some pictures when you can.

 

[Shifter]

Congrats on getting your hands on one. There aren't a lot of them about. I'm 4 years into owning mine and I've generally found it to be really well screwed together. The only significant non-service item I had to sort was the rear air bags (ie springs). On 212's they often seem to give up at around 10 years. One of the posters here put me onto Autodoc who sell them at reasonable prices - low to mid £200's ea - which is way cheaper than they used to be.

S212's in general are really useful family wagons/load luggers. The 5.5 means they can get a proper shift on too.

Post some pictures when you can.

I will certainly post photos when I get chance, typically I haven't stopped since the car arrived.

Good to know about the air springs, thank you.

The only real annoyance at the moment is a creaking noise which seems to be coming from the top centre area of the dash somewhere but I can't seem to pinpoint it - I don't suppose there are any commonly known points to cause creaks and noises on these cars?

 

[Londonscottish]

I will certainly post photos when I get chance, typically I haven't stopped since the car arrived.

Good to know about the air springs, thank you.

The only real annoyance at the moment is a creaking noise which seems to be coming from the top centre area of the dash somewhere but I can't seem to pinpoint it - I don't suppose there are any commonly known points to cause creaks and noises on these cars?

Here's the thread on Arnotts. It was ChrisHGTV who suggested getting them from Autodoc

Rear Air Bags for S212 Arnott or Aerosus? | Wheels, Tyres, Brakes & Suspension

The self levelling suspension on my S212 estate is sinking due to leaking air bag/bellows. I have been researching the internet and have found that the above companies offer an alternative to OEM parts Has anyone used Arnott or Aerosus parts and what is your experience of their quality? Also...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

Regarding creaks & noises from the dash.....I'm not aware of any common issues. Once in a blue moon I hear a very slight noise from what I think is a tweeter cover on the RH of the dash. It's almost inaudible, TBH. I only notice it because the cabin is so very well insulated and otherwise rattle-free.

I thought my 211 was good but the 212 is even better in that regard.

 

[Shifter]

Here's the thread on Arnotts. It was ChrisHGTV who suggested getting them from Autodoc

Rear Air Bags for S212 Arnott or Aerosus? | Wheels, Tyres, Brakes & Suspension

The self levelling suspension on my S212 estate is sinking due to leaking air bag/bellows. I have been researching the internet and have found that the above companies offer an alternative to OEM parts Has anyone used Arnott or Aerosus parts and what is your experience of their quality? Also...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

Regarding creaks & noises from the dash.....I'm not aware of any common issues. Once in a blue moon I hear a very slight noise from what I think is a tweeter cover on the RH of the dash. It's almost inaudible, TBH. I only notice it because the cabin is so very well insulated and otherwise rattle-free.

I thought my 211 was good but the 212 is even better in that regard.

I do wonder if it's one of the covers on top of the dash, I'll try to figure out what it is at some point. It's not bad by any means, and it's only the occasional noise. Now that I've dug out some old CDs (!) I can't actually hear it anyway.

I really need to find means of getting Spotify playing in the car somehow, though. I need to investigate the best way of doing so.


Thanks very much for the link too

 

[ChrisHGTV]

I do wonder if it's one of the covers on top of the dash, I'll try to figure out what it is at some point. It's not bad by any means, and it's only the occasional noise. Now that I've dug out some old CDs (!) I can't actually hear it anyway.

I really need to find means of getting Spotify playing in the car somehow, though. I need to investigate the best way of doing so.


Thanks very much for the link too

For Spotify I bought a Tunai Firefly that stays plugged into the aux and power feed in the glovebox. It works well and pairs instantly. The only downside is you have to control whats playing through the phone, not the steering wheel controls (apart from volume). For £30 it does the job. For mine at least ( I just have the Audio 20) I don’t think there’s a better way without upgrading the hardware.

 

[Shifter]

For Spotify I bought a Tunai Firefly that stays plugged into the aux and power feed in the glovebox. It works well and pairs instantly. The only downside is you have to control whats playing through the phone, not the steering wheel controls (apart from volume). For £30 it does the job. For mine at least ( I just have the Audio 20) I don’t think there’s a better way without upgrading the hardware.

I've not even had a look what's in my glovebox yet as far as ports and whatnots go... I'm an absolute technophobe, and looking at the Tunai thingy it looks like both ends plug in to something - I'm assuming my car has no USB port and the listing states:

"Note: If your car does not have a USB port, we recommend using a 5V car adapter from a reputable brand to avoid damaging both your phone and Firefly LDAC."

I recognise the words but unfortunately, none of that makes any sense to me. What is the USB end of the Tunai in your car plugged into? I also have no idea (and no idea how to find out) which Audio version I have...


I'm completely new to owning Mercedes, whereas if we were talking BMWs I would know the answer to most of these sort of things!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

I've not even had a look what's in my glovebox yet as far as ports and whatnots go... I'm an absolute technophobe, and looking at the Tunai thingy it looks like both ends plug in to something - I'm assuming my car has no USB port and the listing states:

"Note: If your car does not have a USB port, we recommend using a 5V car adapter from a reputable brand to avoid damaging both your phone and Firefly LDAC."

I recognise the words but unfortunately, none of that makes any sense to me. What is the USB end of the Tunai in your car plugged into? I also have no idea (and no idea how to find out) which Audio version I have...


I'm completely new to owning Mercedes, whereas if we were talking BMWs I would know the answer to most of these sort of things!

I would counsel not putting the horse before the cart.

if you don’t know this stuff and don’t “want” it (ie Spotify and voice activated music streaming) don’t worry about it. Just use the car as you’ve always used a car.

I used my S212, I just used a Bluetooth headset for calls and music, and a wired connection for longer (12 hour) European trips. It worked.

Use tech to deliver what you need, not just because it’s there.

 

[ChrisHGTV]

I've not even had a look what's in my glovebox yet as far as ports and whatnots go... I'm an absolute technophobe, and looking at the Tunai thingy it looks like both ends plug in to something - I'm assuming my car has no USB port and the listing states:

"Note: If your car does not have a USB port, we recommend using a 5V car adapter from a reputable brand to avoid damaging both your phone and Firefly LDAC."

I recognise the words but unfortunately, none of that makes any sense to me. What is the USB end of the Tunai in your car plugged into? I also have no idea (and no idea how to find out) which Audio version I have...


I'm completely new to owning Mercedes, whereas if we were talking BMWs I would know the answer to most of these sort of things!

Well in my glovebox on The right hand side at the top I just have an aux in socket (looks like a small headphone socket). And there’s also a power socket on the left hand side. I think there’s two actually. So the tunai plugs into both the power socket using a normal adapter and the other end plugs into the aux. The only thing in addition to the tunai I had to buy was the adaptor - just a normal car socket adapter. I bought a small one from Halfords. Everything sits neatly on top of the little shelf in the glovebox. You then pair your phone with the tunai using Bluetooth and in the cd menu on the car you select aux. Then play whatever you want through the phone - Spotify etc and it should come out of the car speakers. Make sure your phone volume is turned up full. I use google maps for navigation on my phone and that comes through the speakers as well, and the music volume drops when direction commands are issued. You don’t have to turn the tunai on or off it does it automatically.

Its dead easy, must admit I’m a bit of a ludite with car stereo stuff and I got it to work! Phone calls still come through the car as normal if you pair your phone with the car as well.

Audio20 is the basic music system, I don’t have Satnav or anything - I prefer to use google maps anyway.

for added info I use one of those magnetic phone holders and clip it to the right hand air vent in the centre console.

 

[Londonscottish]

Well in my glovebox on The right hand side at the top I just have an aux in socket (looks like a small headphone socket). And there’s also a power socket on the left hand side. I think there’s two actually. So the tunai plugs into both the power socket using a normal adapter and the other end plugs into the aux. The only thing in addition to the tunai I had to buy was the adaptor - just a normal car socket adapter. I bought a small one from Halfords. Everything sits neatly on top of the little shelf in the glovebox. You then pair your phone with the tunai using Bluetooth and in the cd menu on the car you select aux. Then play whatever you want through the phone - Spotify etc and it should come out of the car speakers. Make sure your phone volume is turned up full. I use google maps for navigation on my phone and that comes through the speakers as well, and the music volume drops when direction commands are issued. You don’t have to turn the tunai on or off it does it automatically.

Its dead easy, must admit I’m a bit of a ludite with car stereo stuff and I got it to work! Phone calls still come through the car as normal if you pair your phone with the car as well.

Audio20 is the basic music system, I don’t have Satnav or anything - I prefer to use google maps anyway.

for added info I use one of those magnetic phone holders and clip it to the right hand air vent in the centre console.

That's the most straightforward way to do it.

Mine is a March 2010 build and so narrowly missed out on factory music streaming but it does happen to have MMI (Multimedia Interface) which gives you a port in the glovebox which takes a cable which in turn has a number of connectors on it. The MN cable is expensive so I just bought a generic one off eBay.

I've plugged a Chinese bluetooth music streaming dongle into one of the MMI connectors.

I've stuck a memory stick onto a second one. So I can play off that if I want.

And, if I can be bothered, I can copy files off the stick onto the hard disc ("music register" in MB-speak).

I can't quite remember how I figured all that out - it was probably a combo of checking the options via the VIN decoder and asking folks on here.

You can see pics of what the port looks like and the sorts of cables you can buy here.

mercedes mmi on glove box - Google Search

 

[Shifter]

Thank you both very much for the advice, I really do appreciate it.

I ordered one of those Tunai devices whilst at work last night, then checked my glovebox this afternoon and it seems I have the MMI port on the right and a 12V socket in the left hand side. So maybe I don't need the Tunai?

Would one of these:

AMI MMI Wireless bluetooth Module Aux Receiver Cable Adapter for Mercedes | eBay

MMI: 3rd Generation. - AMI MMI Stecker. Fits For 3rd Generation MMI HIGH interface systems from 2008 - 2014. For vehicles with the earlier MMI 3G systems only. Connection Type: bluetooth. bluetooth: V4.0.

www.ebay.co.uk

Plugged straight into the MMI port allow me to Spotify my music to the car?

Also, is there a decent VIN decoder you'd recommend so I can get the full spec of my car?

I suppose I really ought to ask all this stuff in a thread of my own rather than clutter up this one...

 

[E55BOF]

VIN decoder? I use <carinfo.kiev.ua mercedes>.

 

[jimjamiejames]

Apologies if i missed it further up in the thread but I didn't see which stereo the OP has fitted.

On my s212 Spotify plays through Bluetooth when the phone is connected to the car so possibly don't need anything extra depending on what's in the car

 

[Shifter]

I have to apologise for wasting some of you chaps' time in posting useful links/tips for music playback etc.

Apparently my car does have bluetooth audio after all...! I could have sworn the option wasn't there when I've looked previously, but lo and behold, there it was today. I don't know what I've done differently today vs yesterday There was me thinking it only had bluetooth capability for calls. The stereo actually sound reasonably decent too.

 

[Londonscottish]

I have to apologise for wasting some of you chaps' time in posting useful links/tips for music playback etc.

Apparently my car does have bluetooth audio after all...! I could have sworn the option wasn't there when I've looked previously, but lo and behold, there it was today. I don't know what I've done differently today vs yesterday There was me thinking it only had bluetooth capability for calls. The stereo actually sound reasonably decent too.

Great result. It's such a handy thing to have. And don't apologise - it always takes a while to figure out what any given car has and how to operate it. And there's no such thing as a stupid question.

Two examples; I owned an S211 E500 from 2010 to 2017 and at no time did I realise I had an aux in the glovebox. I sold it to a forum member on here who immediately hooked his phone up....doh!

Also, during the entire time I had that car and the first two years of this one I didn't know that if you put the door mirror switch into the "adjust LH mirror" position" it will dip the passenger door mirror when you reverse.

Anyway, back to specs; if you plug your VIN into the decoder you get a datasheet back which tells you about all the kit. Stick it up here and one of us can tell you what it means. Some stuff is just generic to 212's, some stuff is standard on 500's and the rest are paid options.

 

[bolidemichael]

That's why I directed Shifter to this forum/thread! There's a rich vein of enthusiasm which isn't replicated in any of my other 'haunts'!

Shifter, if you post your VIN on here, I can look it up on the MB database. If you join the official Mb club then you get access to it, too. It's handy for researching part numbers.

 

[Shifter]

Thanks both

I'll add the LH mirror thing to the list of stuff I didn't know! Another great tip.


I did pop my VIN into the decoder last night but as you both say, I'm not sure what what's standard and what's not. I don't think it's bristling with options tbh, but it has enough for me. I've read that HK stereo was an option, I'm 99% sure mine doesn't have it but I'm actually pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds anyway, so that's fine.


I've just booked in to have an Android unit fitted which keeps the OEM screen and uses all of the standard buttons also - rotary controller, steering wheel volume etc. I really like to have Spotify and Waze on the dash, I have it in my MX5 and it's a fab thing to have.


I'll have a look into joining the MB Club, but in there meantime my VIN is - WDD2122722A224313


Londonscottish - I commented on a couple of your photos yesterday with a question or 2, not sure if you get a notification? Cheers

 

[Londonscottish]

VIN decoded.

Standard stuff on a 500 includes ILS (intelligent lighting system which is brilliant - pardon the pun), Airmatic (ditto) and the 80l fuel tank (handy on a long drive).

Not sure if the Memory Package was standard - but it's useful all the same.

Same for the speed sensitive/variable ration steering - makes it a doddle to pilot round town/park in tight spaces. I really like it.

I think I have Parking Guidance or a version of it but have never figured it out.

The rest looks fairly standard apart from the tyre pressure monitor and UCI (the multimedia interface). I like having TMPS after my wife & kids suffered a nasty blowout in the previous 211. It might have thrown up a warning before the tyre let go.

Parameter​	Value​
050	AEJ 19/2
061	STEUERCODE FUER KRAFTSTOFFPUMPE
108	CONTROL CODE MARKETING
200A	LEATHER
205A	LEATHER - BEIGE
205B	OWNERS MANUAL AND SERVICE RECORD - ENGLISH
213	SPEED-SENSITIVE POWER STEERING/VARIO STEERING
230	PARKING GUIDANCE
236	ADAPTIVE REAR INTERIOR LIGHT
249	INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR MIRROR,AUTOMATICALLY DIMMING
255B	No code designation available
275	MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STRG. COL., MIRROR)
279	ELECTRONIC GEAR RANGE SELECTION
280	LEATHER STEERING WHEEL AND LEATHER GEAR SHIFT KNOB
283B	AIRBAGLABLE - ENGLISH
287	THROUGH-LOADING FEATURE
291	PELVIS AIRBAG (PELVISBAG)
294	KNEE AIRBAG
301	ASHTRAY PACKAGE
305B	HEAD UNIT LANGUAGE - BRITISH ENGLISH
309	CUP HOLDER
335B	INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/HU LANGUAGE - ENGLISH
401	FRONT SEAT CLIMATE CONTROL
427	AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED
428	STEER.WHEEL GEARSHIFT BUTTONS/SHIFT PADDLE PAINTED
43P	CONTROL CODE MARKETING
461	INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
477	TIRE PRESSURE LOSS WARNER
489	AIRMATIC DUAL CONTROL / AIR SUSPENSION SEMI-ACTIVE
497U	CUPRITE BROWN - METALLIC PAINT
512	COMAND APS WITH DVD CHANGER
518	UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE (UCI)
537L	GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
551	BASIC ANTITHEFT ALARM SYSTEM (ATA)
581	AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
5XXL	EUROPE
600	HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT
608	AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SWITCH (IHC)
619	CORNERING ILLUMINATION
621	HEADLAMP WITH ILS, LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
666	PRODUCT PROT.F.TRANSPORT VEH. W/O TIE-DOWN HOOKS
670	RESIDUAL ENGINE HEAT UTILIZATION (MRA)
690	EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE (MINI SPARE)
800	AEJ 09/1
817	SIREN BRACKET FOR INCREASED THEFT PROTECTION
875	HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM
882	SENSOR SYSTEM AND ANTITHEFT ALARM SYSTEM
885	HIGHTEN THEFT PROTECTION
915	FUEL TANK WITH GREATER CAPACITY - VOLUME 2
928	EXHAUST GAS CLEANING WITH EURO 5 TECHNOLOGY
954	EQUIPMENT PACKAGE FOR AVANTGARDE VEHICLES
966	COC PAPER EURO 5 TECH. W/O REGIST. CERT. PART 2
989	IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
A21	SHIFT BY WIRE
A22	NEW CONVERTER GENERATION
A24	JOINT FLANGE, 4-ARM 120
A31	SOFTWARE (INDIVIDUAL)
A36	TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING AGA
A49	CONVERTER WITH 3 FRICTION DISKS
A52	R- VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY WITH VGS 3
B12	WHEEL REPLACEMENT TOOL
F212	MODEL SERIES 212
FS	COMBI - VEHICLE
G904	TRANSMISSION CODE VERSION 04
GA	AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HA	REAR AXLE
K10	SOFTWARE CONTROL FOR STATIC CURVE ILLUMINATION
K11	ADAPTIVE STOP LIGHT FLASHING
K13	CONTROL CODE FOR SERVICE INTERVAL 25000 KM
M273	V8-GASOLINE ENGINE M273
M55	CAPACITY 5,5 LITRE
P35	LIGHT PACKAGE (FFO)
P54	THEFT PROTECTION PACKAGE
R	RIGHT-HAND STEERING
R01	SUMMER TIRES
R32	18" LIGHT ALLOY WHEEL 5-SPOKE DESIGN MIXED TIRES
U01	REAR BELT STATUS INDICATION
U18	AUTOMATIC CHILD SEAT RECOGNITATION (AKSE)
U60	PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION - ACTIVE ENGINE HOOD
U72	DVD PLAYER WITH REGIONAL CODE 2, EUROPE, JAPAN
V60	SPEED- + LOADINDEX 97Y XL
VL	FRONT AXLE HALF, LEFT
VR	FRONT AXLE HALF, RIGHT
W60	TRIM PIECES - WOOD DESIGNO BURRED WALNUT VENEER

 

[Londonscottish]

Londonscottish - I commented on a couple of your photos yesterday with a question or 2, not sure if you get a notification? Cheers

What, on this site? No, no notifications.

 

[bolidemichael]

608	AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SWITCH (IHC)
619	CORNERING ILLUMINATION

These look like options and very handy ones at that.